More than half a million dollars was raised at the recently launched Mayoral Development Fund gala dinner for the Oshakati Town Council.

The fund is aimed at raising money to help the needy and vulnerable members of society.

Oshakati Mayor Leonard Hango says his council is faced with the challenge of rural-urban migration, with people now squatting in informal settlements.

The council also wants to create land and housing for residents, which means it is leading in land and housing development in the entire country. 

"Although we are proud of our current situation, we cannot ignore the fact that some of our residents are frequently in desperate need of assistance from the council, and unfortunately, the council is unable to effectively address these pressing needs due to a lack of resources. Therefore, the establishment of the Oshakati Mayoral Development Fund seeks to raise funds that will be used to address the critical needs of our residents," Hango added.

The idea is an initiative from the Office of the Mayor.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni said the fund is vital in assisting families, individuals, and organisations in the town. "Again, the fund will greatly assist members of the community in extreme need, such as for food, shelter, housing, clothing, medical costs, school uniforms, basic municipal services  and other crisis or disaster relief situations or emergencies as deemed by the Mayor."

On the occasion, the council also launched its five-year strategic plan for the 2022/2023 to 2026/2027 financial years.